Bruce, Stinson Set the Pace at PGA Head Professional and Head Teaching Professional Championships of Canada
LANGLEY, B.C. (October 24, 2026) – Adam Bruce and Kevin Stinson navigated cold, rainy conditions at Redwoods Golf Club to open the PGA Head Professional Championship of Canada presented by Callaway Golf and the PGA Head Teaching Professional Championship of Canada supported by UpSwing Golf with matching three-under-par rounds of 68.
With both national championships being contested concurrently at the Langley, B.C., venue, Bruce holds the lead in the Head Professional Championship, while Stinson sits atop the Head Teaching Professional Championship following an impressive opening round in difficult playing conditions.
Bruce, representing Northern Bear Golf Club, credited his approach play for helping him produce the low round in the Head Professional Championship.
“I didn't do a whole lot special. Hit a lot of greens,” said Bruce. “I was fortunate to hit it on three holes to about a foot, which made it a lot easier to make birdie on those holes.”
The challenging weather required players to adjust their strategies throughout the day, with the cold and rain creating a significant contrast from the warmer conditions during the practice round.
“It was a completely different golf course today,” Bruce explained, noting that he opted for longer clubs off the tee on several holes.
Bruce leads Sam Kirkness of Inglewood Golf & Curling Club by two strokes. Kirkness opened with a one-under-par 70, while Kaleb Gorbahn, Dave Zibrik and Ron Kenesky are tied for third at even par after rounds of 71.
In the Head Teaching Professional Championship, Stinson of Chilliwack Golf Club also carded a three-under-par 68 to establish a two-stroke lead over Alex MacDonald of The Links at Brunello, who sits at one-under-par 70. Eric Locke of Priddis Greens Golf & Country Club is third at even par.
Stinson's round was built on patience and a strong finish, qualities he identified as essential to scoring at Redwoods under the day's conditions.
“I'm just gonna stay patient. I think I did a good job with that, and then finished really strong,” said Stinson. “I think that's the key to this course is patience. And take advantage when you get the opportunity.”
Stinson also leads the Birdie Juice Birdie Race after recording seven birdies during his opening round.
For Stinson, the national championship represents an important opportunity for PGA professionals to continue developing their competitive games while connecting with colleagues from across the country.
“I think we should all be working on our craft, to some extent, and play, you know, at least some tournament golf every year,” he said.
A longtime participant in national championships, Stinson added that he looks forward to the opportunity to compete against fellow professionals and praised the event and its venue.
Bruce echoed that appreciation for the opportunity to compete alongside colleagues, highlighting the camaraderie that comes with the national championship.
“I get to see all my friends,” said Bruce. “A lot of guys I see them at this tournament only.”
Both championships continue at Redwoods Golf Club tomorrow.